As autumn arrives, Kuniga Coast in Nishinoshima shifts its wardrobe from summer greens to autumn hues. The colour changes are subtle, so keep your eyes peeled.

• Table of Contents
• Take in the Cool Autumn Breeze at Matengai Cliff
• The Colours of Tsūtenkyō Arch
• Tiny Yellow and Purple Blossoms in Full Bloom
• Morning Walks to Enjoy the Island’s Unique Charm
• Access to Kuniga Coast
• Autumn in Nishinoshima: Crisp Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
• You may be interested:

Take in the Cool Autumn Breeze at Matengai Cliff

When it comes to sightseeing in Nishinoshima, Matengai Cliff at Kuniga Coast is a must-visit. Green grass, grazing cows and horses, and the sparkling blue sea beyond the cliff combine for a breathtaking view that changes subtly with each season.

In autumn, the air is crisp and clear. From the 257-metre-high cliff, you can often see Shimane and Tottori Prefectures, with Mt. Daisen standing out prominently. There is nothing quite like enjoying this view in the gentle autumn breeze—a scene unique to this time of year.

The Colours of Tsūtenkyō Arch

Tsūtenkyō Arch,　also located at Kuniga Coast, is a natural sea arch shaped by years
of erosion.

Under the soft autumn light, the black-grey and dark-brown rock
layers stand out beautifully, in contrast to the harsher summer sun.

Pause and listen to the waves crashing against the
rocks. Their sound changes with the season, becoming wilder and more dramatic
as autumn deepens. This is how the Sea of Japan continues to shape this
dramatic coastline.

Tiny Yellow and Purple Blossoms in Full Bloom

Oki Chrysantemum (Chrysanthemum okiense)

This plant thrives in sunny coastal spots. You will find the tiny yellow blossoms along the road to Matengai Cliff and the path to Kuniga Bay. The small flowers have short petals and grow in clusters, making them easy to spot. If you visit Kuniga Coast from October to December, look out for these charming additions to your walk.

Seashore Spatulate Aster

Known as darumagiku in Japanese, this purple flower is another highlight. In Japan, this continental-climate plant grows along the rocky coasts of the Sea of Japan, from Shimane Prefecture to northern Kyushu, including the Oki Islands, Tsunoshima Island and Tsushima. These flowers are among the species indicating that Japan was once connected to the Eurasian continent.

Between October and November, these tiny
blossoms appear on a large rock to the left of the signboard in front of Tsūtenkyō Arch.
The rock is quite far away, so use your camera’s zoom lens for a closer look.

Morning Walks to Enjoy the Island’s Unique Charm

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your lodging, head towards Uragō!

Bask in the morning light, listen to the sounds of nature, and soak in the open skies—without any tall buildings to bloack your view, Nishinoshima feels wonderfully expansive. A morning stroll on this island is the perfect way to experience its extraordinary scenery.

Access to Kuniga Coast

Kuniga Coast is located on the west side of Nishinoshima and can be reached by rental car and E-BIKE. Here’s what you need to know:

Rental Car

Nishinoshima has rental cars, but the number of vehicles is limited. Book in advance to secure one while planning your holiday.

MORE INFO

Rental E-BIKE

Available at Nishinoshima Tourism Association, the strong E-BIKE (electric bicycle) makes climbing the long slope to Matengai Cliff a breeze.

Rental hours follow the business hours of the tourism association’s office.

Advance booking is recommended, and overnight rentals are not available.

MORE INFO

Town Bus

The bus has a flat fare of \200 for a single journey.

Service to Kuniga Coast Car Park (closest to Tsūtenkyō Arch) runs from mid-April to mid-October. Outside this period, the nearest bus stop is “Yura Shako” (bus depot).

The walk from the bus depot to Kuniga Coast Car Park is about 2.3 km with uphill and downhill sections; it will take some time. 

Check the hiking map for the suggested routes.

Kuniga Coast Hiking Map (Japanese Version PDF)

Autumn in Nishinoshima: Crisp Mornings, Sunny Afternoons

Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while some days are warm enough for just a long-sleeve shirt. Winds can be strong, so bring a windbreaker and hat just in case.

Come and enjoy the extraordinary landscapes of Nishinoshima—we can’t wait to welcome you!

You may be interested:

In winter, Hokkaido is filled with a mystical landscape of snow and light, quietly enveloping the hearts of visitors. Steam rising from hot springs in the crisp air, trains running across the pure white earth, and city lights twinkling in the night sky. Each and every one of these becomes a special memory that can only be experienced during this season. The Japan-Korea Dream Players Game 2025 will be held in Hokkaido in the winter. While the excitement of the heated matches is still fresh in your mind, why not take a trip to Hokkaido in the winter?

Buy tickets for the Japan-Korea Dream Players Game 2025

Noboribetsu and Toya in the Central Part of Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Jigokudani

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Noboribetsu Jigokudani is an explosion crater formed by the eruption of Mt. Hiyori, measuring approximately 450m in diameter and covering an area of ​​approximately 11ha. It is a tourist spot that is known for its spectacular natural scenery .

Learn More ― Noboribetsu Jigokudani

Toyako

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Lake Toyakois the third largest caldera lake in Japan, formed by an eruption about 110,000 years ago, and is known for its beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons .

Check the Location of Toyako

Otaru, a Port Town in Hokkaido

Otaru Triangle Market

Otaru Sankaku Market is a lively market located about a 2-minute walk from Otaru Station.

[place_master_id=7938 show_photos embed id="Z1b-pwxaUS"]

See More ― Otaru Triangle Market

Otaru Canal

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

The Otaru Canal is a 1,140m long canal completed in 1923 (Taisho 12), and is a famous spot that still conveys Otaru's history and port town image .

Check How to Get to Otaru Canal

Sapporo in the "Central" Region of Hokkaido

Shiroi Koibito Park

City of Sapporo

Shiroi Koibito Park is a tourist spot themed around Shiroi Koibito, a famous Hokkaido confectionery. It is a sweets theme park where you can see, learn, taste, and experience the sweets.

What Else Can You Enjoy at Shiroi Koibito Park?

Sapporo City Clock Tower

City of Sapporo

The Sapporo City Clock Tower, a beloved symbol of Sapporo , is officially called the Former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall and was built in 1878 (Meiji 11) as an educational facility for Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido .

Discover Winter Baseball in Sapporo

Matsumae, a Castle Town in Hokkaido

Lake Onuma-National Park

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Lake Onuma-National Park is a scenic area rich in nature that was designated in 1958 as the only quasi-national park in southern Hokkaido .

See More ― Attractions of Lake Onuma National Park

Fukuyama Castle (Matsumae)

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Known as the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido, Fukuyama Castle (also known as Matsumae ) holds a special place in the history of Japanese castles. Its predecessor was the Fukuyama , built by Matsumae Yoshihiro, the first lord of the Matsumae domain. It was completed in 1854 (the first year of the Ansei era) as a key point for coastal defense during the late Edo period, when the number of foreign ships arriving in Japan increased .

Learn More ― History of Fukuyama Castle (Matsumae )

Hakodate in Hokkaido Hokkaido

Hakodate Morning Market

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

hakodate Morning Market is one of Hokkaido 's leading tourist markets, located about a one-minute walk from hakodate Station .

Check How to Get to Hakodate Morning Market

Mount Hakodate

Hokkaido Tourism Organization

Mount Mount Hakodateis a 334m high mountain that is a popular observation spot offering a panoramic view of hakodate city and the Tsugaru Strait .

Enjoy the Nature of Mount Hakodate